30 Pretty Hairstyles and Haircuts for Long Hair

If you have long hair, that doesn’t mean your locks have to be limp and lifeless. It’s all about finding the right hairstyles for long hair. From your haircut to your style, there are plenty of options when it comes to adding some personality to your long locks. Sick of sporting a one-length style? Below, find 30 cute and easy hairstyles for long hair (including updos, braids, and a variety of haircuts for long hair) along with advice on how to manage your look with the right hair styling products (without adding too much time to your regular hair care routine!).

LONG HAIRSTYLE #1: LONG ANGLES

Once upon a time, ultra-long hair was reserved for celebrities and hippies with not much room in between. Nowadays, everyone can get in on the fun. The key to making your super-long strands look like they have a ton of depth and movement is to make angled snips starting around your chest and working your way down to the longest sections of your strands. Just keep in mind that this technique is meant to be used only at the front of your hair.

LONG HAIRSTYLE #2: FRONT LAYERS

Fine-haired ladies, rejoice! At last, there’s a haircut that will make managing long, fine strands a bit easier. Known for its heavy, face-framing layers, this hairstyle for fine hair looks great on all face shapes. If you have an oval or heart-shaped face, request layers starting around your chin. If your face is on the square side, ask for layers that start around your cheekbones instead.

LONG HAIRSTYLE #3. HALF-UP FISHTAIL BRAID

When you have long locks, it’s easy for your hair to move all over the place—including in your face—and get annoying, which can make you wonder if it’s time to just chop it all off. Instead of doing something drastic, pull your hair back and create a pretty fishtail braid that cascades down the back of your head. Problem solved!

What you’ll need:

L’Oréal Paris EverSleek Frizz Finish Oil-In Serum

Hair brush

Clear elastics

Shine mist

Get the look by following these simple steps:

STEP 1: USE A HAIR SERUM

On dry hair, apply a serum to help tame frizz and prep your hair for styling.

STEP 2: SLICK YOUR HAIR BACK

Use your fingers or a brush to smooth your hair back, securing about one-third of your hair with a clear elastic.

STEP 3: CREATE YOUR FISHTAIL PLAIT

With the top portion of your hair, it’s time to start braiding! Divide that section into two smaller sections. Cross a small piece of hair from the outside of the left section over to the inside of the section to its right. Then, do the same to the opposite side. Keep going until you reach the bottom of your hair, then tie the braid off with another clear elastic. 

STEP 4: SPRITZ ON A SHINE MIST

Apply a shine mist or gloss as a finishing touch.

LONG HAIRSTYLE #4: ALL-OVER LAYERS

A great option for those who love an easy-to-style cut, all-over layers provide a perfectly imperfect finish that you can just wash and go. All you have to do is ask your stylist for slanted layers, which can be created by snipping at a downturned angle along the bottom few inches of your hair. If you decide to go with this layered hairstyle, apply a mousse, wave spray, or hair cream after washing your hair, then let your hair air dry.

LONG HAIRSTYLE #5: ROUNDED LAYERS

Who said layers were only for those with long, straight hair? If you have long, curly hair, you can add dimension to your mane with round layers that will blend your hair together without making it look heavy. Pro tip: Get your curly hair cut when it’s dry, not wet, as this will allow your stylist to see the shape of your hair while it’s forming instead of having to wait until after it’s been blow-dried.

LONG HAIRSTYLE #6. BRAIDED SPACE BUNS

If one thing’s for sure, it’s that now is as good a time as any to rock our favorite buns from the early ‘80s. Surely you know the ones. Not only is this look nostalgic and iconic, but it incorporates some of our fave hair elements into a single style. Braids? Check! Buns? Check! Hair out of your face? Check! Need we say more? 

What you’ll need:

Hair serum

Hair brush

Rat tail comb

Clear elastics

Bobby pins

Get the look by following these simple steps:

STEP 1: SMOOTH YOUR HAIR

In order to create a sleek set of buns, start off by spraying your hair down with a smoothing serum, then run a brush through your mane. 

STEP 2: PART YOUR HAIR

Next, use a rat tail comb to create a super-straight center part from your hairline all the way down to the nape of your neck.

STEP 3: SECURE YOUR PIGTAILS

With each side of your parted hair, create a low ponytail, and secure with a clear elastic.

STEP 4: BRAID YOUR PIGTAILS

You don’t need any major braiding skills for this look; weave each ponytail into a simple three-strand braid. Finish the braids off with a mini clear elastic so that it’s easy to conceal once you begin coiling.

STEP 5: WRAP YOUR BUNS

Take each braid and coil it around itself to create your princess-like bun. Pop in a few bobby pins for added hold, and you’re good to go!

LONG HAIRSTYLE #7: GRADUAL LAYERS

Forget about the choppy layers of the ‘90s—nowadays it’s all about inconspicuously gradual layers that show little to no difference between them. This subtle approach can totally transform your overall look.

LONG HAIRSTYLE #8: TAPERED ENDS

If your long hair naturally balloons out when you tuck it behind your ears, it’s time to think about getting slightly tapered ends, which can help create a streamlined silhouette that’s nothing short of flattering.

LONG HAIRSTYLE #9. PULL-THROUGH CROWN

If you’re like us, you’re a sucker for braided crowns—really, who isn’t obsessed with this style? But, as much as we adore this over-under royal hairstyle, what if we told you there’s a new style in town that’s equally as gorgeous but requires even less skill? Yup, we thought you might be interested in this easy hairstyle for long hair!

What you’ll need:

Clear mini elastics

Bobby pins

Get the look by following these simple steps:

STEP 1: PART YOUR HAIR

Split your hair down the middle or off to the side—either will do.

STEP 2: CREATE A PONYTAIL

Starting on one side, take a small section of hair near your hairline and create a small ponytail. Secure it with a clear mini elastic.

STEP 3: PULL IT THROUGH

Remember those super-simple loop ponytails you loved as a kid? That’s the gist of this look. With that in mind, stick your finger through the hair right above your mini elastic and loop your ponytail through to create a mini ponytail.

STEP 4: KEEP GOING

Continue this process on each side until you get to the back of your head just behind your ears.

STEP 5: COMPLETE YOUR CROWN

With the hair at the back of your head, what’s in-between all that looped crown goodness, create two to three more looped ponytails. Once all of your ponytails are in place, grab a few bobby pins and secure the ends.

STEP 6: MESS IT UP

Gorgeous, right? If you want to really romanticize this look, take our word for it and mess it up a bit with a few face-framing strands.

LONG HAIRSTYLE #10: GENTLY SNIPPED ENDS

If you want to keep your hair all one length without any layers, the key to getting a haircut for long hair that doesn’t look oddly blunt is to make teeny snips all along the ends. This can help give your long hairstyle movement without removing much length.

LONG HAIRSTYLE #11: BOLD BANGS

If you want to completely change up the way your long hair looks without sacrificing any length from the bottom, getting bangs just might be the right move for you. Ask your stylist for a triangular snip that prevents the edges of your fringe from billowing out past your temples, followed by a few snips here and there around the ends to lessen any bluntness.

LONG HAIRSTYLE #12. HALF-BUN

It’s no secret that we adore buns—messy, high, low, or anything in between. The latest updo for long hair to steal our hearts? The half-bun. This style is truly the best of both worlds when it comes to letting your hair down and keeping it out of your face at the same time.

What you’ll need:

Dry shampoo

Rat tail comb

Hair elastic

Get the look by following these simple steps:

STEP 1: REFRESH YOUR TRESSES

Dry shampoo, anyone? To give your hair a quick refresh, hold the can six to eight inches away from your head and spray it onto oily roots and lightly through the rest of your hair.

STEP 2: SECTION YOUR HAIR

Using a rat tail comb or your fingers, make a horizontal part from ear to ear to prep for your half-bun ‘do.

STEP 3: CREATE YOUR BUN

Using the top section of your hair, create a high ponytail. Before securing it in place, twist your half-up pony into a top knot and secure with a hair tie.

LONG HAIRSTYLE #13: CHOPPED LAYERS

Sometimes, a shaggy, carefree look can give a touch of edge to your long haircut, pushing it over the top—in a good way! We love choppy layers when they’re styled naturally, with just a bit of wave. To get this look, apply an egg-sized dollop of mousse onto clean, damp hair after you shampoo and use conditioner. Work the product through your lengths and ends, then put your hair in two braids (they don’t have to be perfect, you’ll be taking them out shortly). Once your hair is fully dry, take out your braids and run your fingers through your locks for effortless-looking texture.

LONG HAIRSTYLE #14: LONG SIDE-SWEPT BANGS

Gorgeous, side-swept bangs will never go out of style thanks to their ability to add a bit of drama to any look. To keep your long, angled bangs in place (without making them look stiff), use a spritz of the L’Oréal Paris Elnett Precious Oil Satin Hairspray. Bonus: It will give your strands a shiny finish!

LONG HAIRSTYLE #15. LONG FAUX HAWK

Lifted, brushed back tresses have been flooding red carpets and social media feeds alike—and that’s with good reason. After just a few pins and twists, you’re looking at a seriously voluminous look that’s nothing short of rocker chic.

What you’ll need:

Hair brush

L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle LOCK IT Fine Control Hairspray

Get the look by following these simple steps:

STEP 1: SECTION OFF THE CROWN

Horizontally part your hair from ear to ear to separate your topmost layer of hair.

STEP 2: START TWISTING ON ONE SIDE

With the upper layer out of the way, split the bottom layer into two sections, one on the left and one on the right. Take one of the sections and twist it back from your hairline, keeping it close to your scalp, until half of the section is twisted. Then, pin it in place at the nape of your neck so that the ends fall down the back of your head. If you have a lot of hair in each section, you can create multiple twists.

STEP 3: KEEP GOING

Once you’ve finished one side, do the exact same thing on the other so that your twisted layers line up.

STEP 4: BRUSH BACK YOUR CROWN

Remember the layer of hair that you set aside earlier? It’s time to tease it a bit and brush it back to conceal the spots where you pinned your twists and complete your look.

STEP 5: ADD EXTRA HOLD

To ensure that your look lasts, be sure to give it a few spritzes of hairspray.

LONG HAIRSTYLE #16: PASSION TWISTS

Looking for a long hairstyle for natural hair? We love the look of passion twists—not to mention this popular style doubles as a protective hairstyle. All you need to get the look is some hair gel, hair extensions, and patience! For a step-by-step tutorial, head over to our article, How to Get a Passion Twist Hairstyle.

LONG HAIRSTYLE #17: VOLUMINOUS CURLS

There’s just something about voluminous curls and long hair that make for a totally dreamy hairstyle. The combo of both volume and length will be sure to gain you plenty of envious stares. Grab a wide-barrel curling iron to bring this easy long hairstyle to life!

LONG HAIRSTYLE #18: TWO-TIERED LAYERS

If you want to add some dimension to your mane without getting too many layers, a two-tiered cut is a great option. It’s exactly what it sounds like: The hair is cut into two layers. The bottom layer has the most length, while the top layer is short. It’s a great long haircut option for those with curly or extra-voluminous hair since it won’t pump up the volume too much; it will only add just enough oomph.

LONG HAIRSTYLE #19: V-CUT LAYERS

This cut involves trimming the top layers of your hair into layers that form a V-shape at the back of your head. The opposite of the two-tiered cut, this long haircut adds tons of volume and is best styled with a large-barrel curling iron.

LONG HAIRSTYLE #20: DUTCH BRAID

Braided hairstyles for long hair are something we’ll never get tired of seeing on our social media feeds. After all, a long, cascading braid is always Instagram-worthy. As such, we had to include this popular braid among our list of cute hairstyles for long hair. We’re talking about the Dutch braid, of course. This inverted braid looks especially stunning on those with thick, long locks.

LONG HAIRSTYLE #21. GLOSSY SIDE PART

Seen on the heads of countless celebrities with long locks, super-smooth, shining strands have become the epitome of glamour. Luckily for us, it’s a look that easily translates into real life. Ready to look like a movie star?

What you’ll need:

L’Oréal Paris Dream Lengths Restoring Shampoo for Long, Damaged Hair

L’Oréal Paris Dream Lengths Conditioner for Long, Damaged Hair

Flat iron

Shine gloss

Get the look by following these simple steps:

STEP 1: START WITH CLEAN HAIR

Gently massage your shampoo onto wet strands, then rinse. Follow up by applying the coordinating conditioner and leaving it on for one to two minutes before rinsing. Finish with cold water to give your strands extra shine.

STEP 2: STRAIGHTEN YOUR HAIR

Since this style is known for being the sleekest of sleek and the smoothest of smooth, grab your flat iron and sandwich your tresses to bring your look to life.

STEP 3: AMP UP THE SHINE FACTOR

Before creating your low ponytail (spoiler: that's where this style is headed), be sure to apply a shine product, like a shine mist, serum, or gloss.

STEP 4: FINISH YOUR LOOK

Comb your glossy strands back into a low ponytail for the ultimate red carpet-ready ‘do.

LONG HAIRSTYLE #22: LONG, SWOOPY LAYERS

Long, swoopy layers make for a classic cut that will add plenty of dimension to your look. This cut will work best for those with fine hair that has some natural wave. The long swoops will look especially gorgeous with a slight curl at the bottom.

LONG HAIRSTYLE #23: FEATHERED LAYERS

Light, feathered layers make for a great volume-boosting haircut—especially for those with fine or thin hair. To style, try keeping your layers locked into place with a bit of a lightweight hair gel, like the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle LOCK IT Clean Style Gel. To use, rub a quarter-sized amount of product between your hands, then work it through the ends of each layer.

LONG HAIRSTYLE #24: SPIRAL CURLS

Love the look of tight, swirly curls? So do we! Long hair + a curly mane is a combo fit for any special occasion. If you’re dreaming of having a head full of natural-looking spiral curls, here’s How to Get Spiral Curls.

LONG HAIRSTYLE #25: MESSY PONYTAIL

Not all hairstyles have to be prim and proper. In fact, one of our favorite easy hairstyles for long hair is anything but! An effortless, messy ponytail can be sported whilst running errands or hitting the bar with your gal pals. It’s all about adding just enough texture and volume to your mane to create a messy pony that’s perfectly undone.

LONG HAIRSTYLE #26: STRAIGHT CUT

Long hair that’s totally pin straight has always been an enviable hairstyle—and it still is! But before you reach for your flat iron, don’t forget to spray your (dry) strands with a heat protectant like the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle SLEEK IT Iron Straight Heatspray.

LONG HAIRSTYLE #27: SOCK BUN

We get it—updos for long hair can be a pain sometimes. With so much length to work with, it can be difficult to style your long locks into a sleek style. But with the help of a sock bun, we promise you can expertly create a perfect donut-shaped bun within minutes! Here’s How to Create a Sock Bun.

LONG HAIRSTYLE #28: SLEEK AND STRAIGHT

Speaking of sleek hairstyles, sometimes sleek and simple is the way to go. Super-straight strands are in at the moment, and they’re the perfect way to show off your length. This hairstyle can be worn for an array of occasions, from a night out on the town to an important work meeting.

LONG HAIRSTYLE #29: SLICK BUN

Want an updo for long hair that will also help to disguise oily roots? Look no further than a slick, low bun.

What you’ll need:

Hair gel

Hair elastic

Bobby pins

Get the look:

STEP 1: SLICK IT BACK

Apply some hair gel to your mane and slick it toward the back of your head. Start with a little bit of product and add more as needed to avoid a greasy appearance.

STEP 2: CREATE YOUR BUN

Bring your strands into a low ponytail, securing them with your hair elastic. Then, wrap the length of your pony around its base to create your bun. Secure into place with bobby pins, and you’re all set!

LONG HAIRSTYLE #30: PULL-THROUGH PIGTAILS

Last but not least, we had to throw in one more braid hairstyle for long hair! Thought pigtails were a thing of the past? You thought wrong! While the thought of pigtails may bring back childhood memories, this braided hairstyle has actually grown up quite a bit itself. Pull-through pigtails are the modern, adult version of the style that we've been seeing everywhere from on Instagram to on our favorite celebs. Head over to our article, How to Rock Pull-Through Pigtails, so you can get in on the trend, too! 

Now that you know how to update your long hair with the proper haircut and hairstyle, it’s time to switch up your color. To complete your #hairgoals, find your hair color match by taking our hair color quiz and checking out the 40 Top Hair Color Trends for 2019.